Archive for 'Family Fun'

Apr201204

PDXrover

0

We’ve Got a New Look!

If you’ve had a chance to pick up our April issue -– or to read it online -– you might have noticed we’ve updated our look. We’ve got a new logo, a new layout for our Table of Contents, Ages & Stages and regular departments, and a cleaner, fresher design throughout the magazine. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to bringing you interesting and informative parenting-related features, information on local parenting resources and our remarkably comprehensive daily Family Fun Calendar. We’re very proud of the work we do creating the region’s most useful and entertaining parenting magazine, but we’re always looking for ways to be even more useful and informative to our readers. Help us out by letting us know what you think of our recent redesign (it’s a work in progress!) and of the resources we bring you in print and online every month. What do you like (or not like) about the magazine’s new look? What do you like best about our magazine? (What’s most useful and/or most entertaining to you? What sections do you always read?) What would you like to see more of in our print magazine? If you follow us on Twitter , like us on Facebook , receive our enewsletter and/or read our blogs, what do you find most useful about our online postings? What would you like to see more of from us online? And if you’d like to give us any other feedback, feel free to post it below! We appreciate any and all comments. After all, we’re here to make your job as a parent easier, more effective and more fun!

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We’ve Got a New Look!

Mar201221

Samantha

0

Love Your Local Library!

Last week we ran a blog post about upcoming Spring Break activities for school age kids, and every Friday we run our picks for weekend fun under the What’s On this Weekend (WOW!) header. Whenever we compile these types of lists –- whether for the magazine, our enewsletter, or our blog –- we’re always blown away by the sheer volume and diversity of activities offered at our local libraries. And most of these events are free! So we thought it was time to run a brief reminder for all the kids and parents out there to keep an eye on your local library’s events calendar, because as much as we try to list every family-friendly event and activity around town, even we can’t seem to find the space to list all the wonderful story times, performances, activities and classes offered by the region’s exceptional libraries. Here’s a list of local library websites and events calendars. We suggest you bookmark your county library’s calendar, but it’s also fun to check out neighboring library systems’ events once in a while for a special low-cost family fun day out! Multnomah County Library Events Finder Clackamas County Library Story Times (For more libraries in Clackamas County, visit lincc.org ) Washington County Library Events Clark County, Wash., Library Events We just love our local libraries! As writer Anne Herbert so eloquently put it, “Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no libraries.”

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Love Your Local Library!

Mar201214

PDXrover

0

Spring Break Fun!

Staying in town for Spring Break? Here’s a roundup of area activities for school age kids during the week of March 26-30 to help you make the most of your extra family time! (As always, check our online calendar for more listings every day.) MARCH 26 Spring Break Around the World. Activities and crafts from a different country every day this week. Best for ages 4 to 12. 10 am to 3 pm. Free with museum admission. World Forestry Center Discovery Museum, 4033 SW Canyon Road. 503-228-1367. worldforestry.org . Mad Science. Fire and ice science, including demonstrations, for grades K-8. 11 am. FREE. Tualatin Library, 18878 SW Martinazzi. 503-691-3016. ci.tualatin.or.us . LEGO Lab/Intro to Robotics. Take a day trip to Salem for a special LEGO designing and building event in the morning and a robotics workshop in the afternoon. Both are open to kids between 8 and 12 years old. LEGO Lab is from 9 am to noon; Introduction to Robotics is from 1 to 4 pm. $31/each workshop, member discount. Reservations required. AC Gilbert’s Discovery Village, 116 Marion St. NE, Salem. 503-371-3631. acgilbert.org . (For more activities and attractions in the Salem area, see our Family Resource Guide .) MARCH 27 Very Hungry Caterpillar Collage. Make tissue paper art. 2 to 3:30 pm. FREE. Holgate Library, 7905 SE Holgate Blvd. 503-988-5389. events.multcolib.org . Garden Treasure Hunt. Search for clues in the garden. Dress for the weather. Ages 8 to 12. 1 to 2:30 pm. $6, member discount, reservations required. Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 SE 122d Ave. 503-823-1671. leachgarden.org . Sweater Sleeve Puppets. Make a puppet; materials provided. FREE. 1 to 3 pm. Central Library, 801 SW 10th Ave. 503-988-5235. (Also 1:30-3:30 pm March 31 (reservations required) at Gregory Heights Library, 7921 NE Sandy Blvd. 503-988-5386.) events.multcolib.org . Nature Illustration. Art activity for ages 9 to 14. 10 am to noon. $15, member discount. Reservations required. Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 SE 122d Ave. 503-823-1671. leachgarden.org . A Balancing Act! Learn about the science of balance. FREE. 1 to 3 pm March 27 at Troutdale Library, 2451 SW Cherry Pk RD. 503-988-5355; 3 to 5 pm March 29 (reservations required) at Woodstock Library, 6008 SE 49th Ave. 503-988-5399. events.multcolib.org (search “balancing”). Owls and Other Predators/ Micro Detectives. Take a day trip to Salem to learn about owls, bats, spiders and more in the morning and/or to work with microscopes in the afternoon. Both are designed for kids between 5 and 7 years old. Owls and Other Predators is from 9 am to noon; Micro Detectives is from 1 to 4 pm. $31/each workshop, member discount. Reservations required. AC Gilbert’s Discovery Village, 116 Marion St. NE, Salem. 503-371-3631. acgilbert.org . (For more activities and attractions in the Salem area, see our Family Resource Guide .) MARCH 27 & 28 Preschool Play & Skate. Skate rental, lesson, games and a snack every Tuesday and Wednesday for kids ages 6 and under. 10 to 11:30 am. $5.50 per child ages 1 and older, parents skate or walk on the rink free. Oaks Park, 7805 SE Oaks Park Way. 503-233-5777. oakspark.com . MARCH 27, 28 & 29 Henna for Teens. Learn about henna and get a design. FREE. 2 to 3:30 pm March 27 at Capitol Hill Library, 1073 SW Capitol Hwy. 503-988-5385; 6 to 7:30 pm March 28 at Kenton Library, 8226 N Denver Ave. 503-988-5370; 2 to 3:30 March 29 at Troutdale Library, 2451 SW Cherry Park Rd. 503-988-5355. events.multcolib.org (search “henna”). MARCH 28 Desktop Ballistics. Learn how to make your own desktop catapult to hurl tiny erasers across the room. 3 to 4 pm. FREE, registration required. Hillsboro Main Library, 2850 Brookwood Pkwy. 503-615-6500. evanced.info/hillsboro . Fun with Fiber. Learn about dyes, wool and other fibers and make a project. Ages 6 and older, with grown-up. 1 to 3 pm. $34, member discount, reservations required. AC Gilbert’s Discovery Village, 116 Marion St. NE, Salem. 503-371-3631. acgilbert.org . (For more activities and attractions in the Salem area, see our Family Resource Guide .) Milagros Jamboree. Lorna Miller performs, with help from the audience. Ages 8 and under. 10:30 am every Wed. $3 donation. Milagros Boutique, 5433 NE 30th Ave. 503-493-4141. littlekidsjamboree.com . MARCH 28 & 29 Do You See What I See? Explore the wonders of light. FREE. 2 to 4 pm March 28 at Capitol Hill Library, 10723 SW Capitol Hwy., 503-988-5385; 2 to 4 pm March 29 at Hollywood Library, 4040 NE Tillamook St., 503-988-5391. events.multcolib.org (search “do you see”). MARCH 29 Spring Break Puppets. Dragon Theatre presents The Reluctant Dragon. 2 pm. FREE. Ledding Library, 10660 SE 21st. Ave. Milwaukie. 503-786-7580. milwaukie.lib.or.us . The Bug Chicks. Fun with insects! All ages. 10 to 11:30 am. $8, $24/family of 4 or more. Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 SE 122d Ave. 503-823-1671. leachgarden.org . Science Fiction Fair. Study stars and make aliens. Grades K to 5. 3:30 to 5 pm. FREE. Tualatin Library, 18878 SW Martinazzi. 503-691-3016. ci.tualatin.or.us . Nature Bingo. Take a walk, make a craft, play bingo and more. Dress for the weather. Ages 6 to 10. 1 to 2:30 pm. $6, member discount. Reservations required. Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 SE 122d Ave. 503-823-1671. leachgarden.org . The Clumsy Ballerina. Penny’s Puppets perform. FREE, get tickets 30 minutes prior. 10:30 to 11 am at Hollywood Library, 4040 NE Tillamook St., 503-988-5391; 3 to 3:45 pm at Hillsdale Library, 1525 SW Sunset Blvd., 503-988-5388. events.multcolib.org (search “clumsy”). Dance Party. Rock out, with refreshments. Ages 2 and older. 10 to 11 am. FREE. Tualatin Library, 18878 SW Martinazzi. 503-691-3016. ci.tualatin.or.us . Ice Age Discoveries. Paleontology lab for ages 5 and older, with a grown-up. 1 to 3 pm. $3 plus admission. AC Gilbert’s Discovery Village, 116 Marion St. NE, Salem. 503-371-3631. acgilbert.org . (For more activities and attractions in the Salem area, see our Family Resource Guide .) MARCH 30 Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest OPENS. Over 40 acres of flowers, a play area, pony rides ($5, weekends only), entertainment and more. 9 am to 6 pm March 30 through April 30. $10 car weekends, $5 car M-F. 33814 S Meridian Rd, Woodburn. 503-634-2243. woodenshoe.com . Don’t forget to check our online calendar for more listings, including live theater and activities for younger kids, every day!

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Spring Break Fun!

Feb201222

PDXrover

0

Make a Date to Skate!

We all know Oaks Park is the place for summertime amusement park fun, but we sometimes forget the roller rink is open for family fun all year long. If you’ve never strapped on a pair of skates and wheeled around the historic rink with your kids -– or if it’s been far too long since your last session -– it might be time to revisit the roller magic. Oaks Park hosts several special sessions for kids and families each week. Here’s the scoop on a few of our favorites: Preschool Play and Skate is held every Tuesday & Wednesday from 10 to 11:30 am through June 13 (then they start the Preschool Rides summer morning fun!). For $5.50 per child (adults are free with a paid child), these special sessions for kids 6 and under feature toddler tunes, playful balls on the floor, a 15-minute group lesson, a visit with Chipper the Squirrel, cookies and milk. Shoes and strollers welcome on the floor. Kids Morning Skate , held every Saturday from 10:30 am to noon, is designed for kids 10 and under with music, a 15-minute group lesson, games and more. The $5.50 per child (again, adults are free with paid child) includes skate rental. Download a School Out Skate coupon good for two skate session admissions for $8 on upcoming school closure days, including Spring Break. You’ll also find a variety of Skating Classes at Oaks Park, from Learn to Skate to Roller Derby, Jam Skating, Adult Roller Dance and Advanced and Private Instruction. And don’t forget Skating Birthday Party Packages are available year-round, including skate rental, a reserved party table, ice cream, soft drinks, cotton candy, balloon hats, a party host and more! Plus, the birthday child gets a t-shirt, a picture with Chipper and a free pass for a future skating session. So what are you waiting for? Check the website for rink hours and more details on these programs and other special events. You can also connect with them on Facebook for information on special offers, contests, and a weekly “password” good for $2.25 off your Wednesday night skate session. (Skate Wednesdays from 7 to 9:30 pm for $5.)

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Make a Date to Skate!

Feb201215

PDXrover

0

There’s Snow in Them Thar Hills!

What are you planning for the three-day weekend ahead? Of course we’ll post our picks for the weekend in this Friday’s WOW! (What’s On this Weekend!), but we thought we’d take this opportunity to share some of the area’s best spots to ski and play in the snow since it might be the last snowy long weekend we get for a while! Below are a few area family favorites. Where do you and yours like to go to get your snow on? Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort : Off Hwy. 35, Mt. Hood; 503.337.2222; skihood.com . Downhill, night and Nordic skiing plus snowboarding and more. Ski Bowl : 87000 E Hwy. 26, Government Camp; 800-SKI-BOWL (754-2695); skibowl.com . Everything from skiing to snowbiking. Ski runs range from a toddler run to Extreme Hill. Summit Ski Area and Snow Bunny : Hwy. 26, Government Camp; 503-272-0256; summitskiarea.com . Tubing in a safe, family-friendly environment. Timberline Lodge and Ski Area : Timberline Lodge, Mt. Hood; 503-272-3311; timberlinelodge.com . Downhill skiing, lessons and a historic lodge. Teacup Lake : Hwy. 35, Mt. Hood; teacupnordic.org . Operated by the Oregon Nordic Club, this area is dedicated to cross-country skiing. Portland Parks and Recreation Outdoor Recreation Programs : 503-823-PLAY (7529); portlandonline.com/parks/ . Organized trips throughout the winter, including alpine and Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and more. Cooper Spur Ski Area : 11000 Cloud Cap Rd., Mt. Hood; 541-352-7803; cooperspur.com . Downhill skiing, snowboarding and inner-tubing. Little John Snow Play Hill : 31 miles south of Hood River on Highway 35; 541-352-6002. Undeveloped snow play area. Free (sno-park permit required). Northwest Discoveries : PO Box 23171, Tigard; 503-524-9192, nwdiscoveries.com . This organization introduces kids 11 and up (with a registered parent) to outdoor adventures such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and building snow caves and igloos. Mt. Bachelor : 22 miles southwest of Bend on Cascade Lakes Highway, 13000 SW Century Dr., Bend; 800-829-2442; mtbachelor.com . Offers downhill and cross country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing and more. Hoodoo Ski Area : Hwy. 20, 20 miles northwest of Sisters; 541-822-3799; hoodoo.com . Features Nordic trails.

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There’s Snow in Them Thar Hills!

Dec201112

Jeremy

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Holiday Highlights

Every week we post our What’s On this Weekend! (WOW!) blog, with listings of family-friendly events and activities around the area. That gets especially challenging during the winter holidays, when every day is packed with enticing opportunities for family fun, so we compiled a list of our favorite holiday happenings for the entire month and listed them all in one place: Holiday Highlights ! From Trains, Boats and Planes (think Cinnamon Bear Cruise, ORHF Holiday Express, Christmas at Pearson Air Museum and the Mt. Hood Polar Express Train) to Santa’s in the House (Santa on the Bricks, Macy’s Santaland, Breakfasts with Santa and more) to Twinkle, Twinkle! (Zoolights, Christmas Ships, Winter Wonderland and all the other spectacular holiday light shows around the area), there’s something for everyone in your family to enjoy every single day of the season! For a truly special family holiday experience, check the Drama, Dancing, Music and Merriment section, with plays, concerts, ballets ( Nutcracker anyone?) and more. What’s your family’s favorite holiday activity or event around town? Which ones haven’t you been to before that you’re hoping to catch this year?

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Holiday Highlights

Oct201126

Jeremy

0

Rainy Day Fun

Before I became a mom, I loved the rain. I’d snuggle by the cozy fire enjoying a good book and a cup of hot tea without a care in the world. But living in the Pacific Northwest with a young child, I had to develop a whole new approach to the long, lingering rainy season. Luckily, it was easy to continue my love affair with the Portland metro area as I discovered all the delightful, indoor kid-friendly activities that are perfect for those damp and dreary days. Somehow, this seems like a great time to share some ideas for alleviating cabin fever and giving your little ones the active time they need and crave this winter. INDOOR PLAY PARKS & PLAY GROUPS: Multnomah County Friendly House Play Group – 1737 NW 26th, Portland; 503-228-4391; friendlyhouseinc.org . Happy Place Indoor Play Park – 2823 N Rosa Parks Way, Portland; 503-289-0318; northminsterpdx.org . Isobel’s Clubhouse – 1542 NW 14th Ave.; 503-224-4636; zcommunitycenter.org . A nonprofit with space for families to meet, play and participate in organized activities. Northeast Indoor Park – Central Lutheran Church, 1820 NE 21st Ave.; neindoorpark.wordpress.com . Open Arms Play Group – Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1244 NE 39th Ave. AND Church of the Good Shepherd, 805 SE Ellsworth Rd., Vancouver, Wash.; Abby, 971-998-8744; para communicarse en espanol: Sheyla 503-239-1509 o Maria 971-570-0942; nwdsa.org . Play group for children with Down syndrome, ages birth through 5. Portland Parks & Recreation – Citywide; 503-823-PLAY (7529); portlandonline.com/parks/ . Many community centers host indoor play parks for children up to 6 years old. PPR operates indoor parks at the following community centers: East Portland, 740 SE 106th, 503-823-3450; Fulton Park, 68 SW Miles, 503-823-3180; Hillside, 653 NW Culpepper Terr., 503-823-3181; Matt Dishman, 77 NE Knott, 503-823-3673; Montavilla, 8219 NE Glisan, 503-823-4101; Mt. Scott, 5530 SE 72nd, 503-823-3183; Peninsula Park, 700 N Rosa Parks Way, 503-823-3620; Sellwood, 1436 SE Spokane, 503-823-3195; Southwest, 6820 SW 45th, 503-823-2840; St. Johns, 8427 N Central, 503-823-3192; University Park, 9009 N Foss Ave., 503-823-3631. Southeast Indoor Park – Trinity United Methodist Church, 3915 SE Steele; playinside.org . Washington County Tualatin Hills Parks & Recreation District (THPRD) – Multiple Locations; 503-645-6433; thprd.com . Like PPR, THPRD hosts indoor play parks at the following recreation centers. Call for times and age requirements. Cedar Hills, 11640 SW Park Way, Portland, 503-629-6340; Conestoga, 9985 SW 125th Ave., Beaverton, 503-629-6313; Garden Home, 7475 SW Oleson Rd., Portland, 503-629-6341; Tualatin Hills Athletic Center, 15707 SW Walker Rd., Beaverton, 503-629-6330. Super Tots Indoor Play Group – 1880 NE Griffin Oaks St., Hillsboro; 503-615-6552; ci.hillsboro.or.us . Clackamas County Clackamas County Healthy Start Play Groups: 503-655-8601; clackamas.us . Clackamas County hosts free play groups at the following sites for parents and children ages 5 and under: Bethany Church, 450 S Ivy St., Canby (bilingual/bicultural, English/Spanish); 11501 SE Sunnyside Rd., Clackamas; Gladstone Center for Children and Families, 18905 Portland Ave., Gladstone; Milwaukie Christian Church, 5197 SE King Rd., Milwaukie; Oregon City United Methodist Church, 18955 South End Rd., Oregon City; Sandy Adult Community Center, 38348 Pioneer Blvd., Sandy; Rolling Hills Community Church, 3550 SW Borland Rd., Tualatin; Sunset Fire Hall, 2215 Long St., West Linn; Wilsonville Methodist Church, 7355 SW Wilsonville Rd., Wilsonville. Free. Clark County, Wash. Camas-Washougal Indoor Play Park – 2436 NW Astor St., Camas; 360-834-7956; meetup.com/CWIndoorPlaypark/ . Firstenberg Community Center – 700 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver; 360-487-7001; cityofvancouver.us . Noah’s Ark Indoor Play Park – First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main St., Vancouver; 360-694-3363, ext. 112; 1stpresvanc.org . LOCAL ICONS: OMSI – 1945 SE Water Ave.; 503-797-OMSI (6674); omsi.edu . Portland Children’s Museum – 4015 SW Canyon Rd.; 503-223-6500; portlandcm.org . World Forestry Center – 4033 SW Canyon Rd.; 503-228-1367; worldforestry.org . With Mommy & Me Mondays beginning in November from 10 to 11 am every Monday! GETTING WET – INDOORS: You’re going to get wet anyway. You might as well enjoy it at one of the area’s inviting waterparks: Evergreen Wings & Waves Waterpark – 500 NE Capt. Michael King Smith Way (Hwy. 18), McMinnville; 503-434-4185; evergreenmuseum.org/waterpark/ . North Clackamas Aquatic Park – 7300 SE Harmony Rd., Milwaukie; 503-557-7873; ncprd.com/aquatic-park . INDOOR ADVENTURE ZONES: Pump It Up – 9665 SW Allen Blvd., Suite 110, Beaverton (Pump It Up Jr., 16205 NW Bethany Ct., Suite 120, Beaverton), 503-644-6488; 25749 SW Canyon Creek Rd., Ste. 700, Wilsonville; 503-582-1331; pumpitupparty.com . Pop-in Playtime, Family Jump Night, Sensory Night programs and more on giant inflatable play structures. J.J. Extreme – 9063 SE Jannsen Rd., Clackamas; 503-723-3600; jjextreme.com . Indoor adventure zone with climbing, zip lines, jousting, slides, bungee jumping and more. J.J. Jump – 9057 SE Jannsen Rd., Clackamas, 503-723-3600; 7500 NE 16th Ave., #2-D, Vancouver, Wash., 360-213-2524; jjjump.com . Indoor inflatable playgrounds. MORE IDEAS: You’ll find plenty more in our annual Family Resource Guide , including skating rinks, children’s gyms, children’s theater, museums and more. (We’re in the process of updating the guide, with the 2012 edition coming out early next year!)

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Rainy Day Fun

Oct201124

Samantha

0

Our Online Parents’ Calendar

We’re constantly amazed at the vast array of activities and resources for families in the Portland metro area, and we’re proud to provide our readers with information they can use to take advantage of all the area has to offer. From our Family Calendar and Family Fun Reviews to information about local parenting resources, we do our best to keep you up to date on local activities and events of interest. We’re especially proud of our online Parents Calendar , listing workshops, conferences, fundraisers and events of interest to local parents. What makes this resource particularly appealing -– we think –- is the fact that our readers can submit their own parenting-related events and fundraisers (school auction anyone?) to be included in our online listings. Our November Parents’ Calendar will go up Nov. 1, with a number of intriguing classes and events. You’ll find listings for a “Child Senses & Behavior” workshop at IKEA on Nov. 30, with tips on helping your child regulate sensory input during the holidays and new tools for sensory-based activities; a “Connect by Coaching Your Kid Weekend Workshop” with Dr. Kathy Masarie Nov. 4 and 5; workshops for parents of children with special needs, including “Entering Kindergarten from ECSE: What Parents Need to Know” on Nov. 16 and “IFSP, EI, ECSE, What Does It Mean? Infants and Preschoolers with Developmental Delays or Disabilities” on Nov. 29. You’ll also find listings for the Healthy Living & Gluten Free Expo in Salem Nov. 26; a National Adoption Day Celebration Nov. 19 and an Adoption Fair Nov. 6; Milagros Boutique’s annual Holiday Bazaar , a fundraiser for Mercy Corps, also on Nov. 6; and Thinker Toys’ Shop for Schools holiday fundraising event Nov. 14-16. Plus, every month we include listings for recurring classes and groups , from pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding and other parenting support groups for moms and dads to grief and cancer support groups for kids to cloth diapering and diaper-free workshops and groups and much, much more. Do you have an event to submit to our online Parents Calendar? Fill out our online form (you can also access the form by clicking “Submit an Event” on the Parents’ Calendar page), or email the information to calendar@metro-parent.com . And for even more parent education, support group and other parenting resources, check out our Parent Support and Education listings.

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Our Online Parents’ Calendar

Sep201114

Jeremy

0

Celebrate Green Parenting at Green Sprouts Festival!

Looking for something fun to do with the family next weekend? Want to learn more about eco-friendly, community-oriented, healthy and natural options for raising your family? Check out the ReDirect Guide’s Green Sprouts Festival on Sunday, Sept. 25! Admission to the festival is free, with a variety of workshops, activities and exhibitors for the whole family. The Alma Midwifery Education & Movement Seminar Series will include seminars on lead poisoning prevention; energy reduction in your home; options on where to give birth; natural solutions for colic and ear infections; diaper options; age appropriate dental care; an introduction to baby sign language and more. Special family fun features include setting the world record for the most baby carrier wearers; a cotton babies diaper derby; a baby and children’s clothing swap; Portland Parks & Recreation’s Ladybug Nature Walks; and Zenana Spa’s family lactation station, providing a comfy, cozy space to breastfeed and specialists to answer your breastfeeding questions. Exhibitors will be on hand with information on a number of topics, from pregnancy and childbirth options, health and fitness, and healthy homes to clothing and style, education and child care. The festival runs from 10 am to 5 pm on Sept. 25 at Peninsula Park, 700 N Rosa Parks Way. For more information, including a schedule of events, visit redirectguide.com/greensprouts .

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Celebrate Green Parenting at Green Sprouts Festival!

Aug201117

Samantha

0

Still Time for Summer Fun!

So far this summer, my son and I have been perfect slackers! We’ve been to the neighborhood pool several times and even made it to the coast for a few nights with friends, but other than that we’ve pretty much just been lazing around the neighborhood, playing with friends and generally slacking off. Now, with only a few weeks left of our precious unscheduled summer –- and with the weather doing its part to make it feel like summer, finally! –- I’m determined to venture a little farther from home for some once-a-year summer fun. My list of potential activities includes berry picking and swimming on Sauvie Island; hikes in Forest Park, Tryon Creek and other nearby nature areas; possibly a day trip to Mt. St. Helens (although that seems awfully ambitious); and the Oregon State Fair. I’d like to add a few more items to the list -– while still leaving us plenty of time for summer slacking. Can you help? What are your family’s “must do” summer activities? Please share your recommendations in the comments below. But hurry -– the back-to-school clock is ticking!

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Still Time for Summer Fun!

Aug201110

PDXrover

0

Last Chance to Vote for Your Favorites!

Sunday is the last day to vote for your favorite local family-friendly businesses in our annual “Family Favorites” Reader Survey! Not only is it a great way to support the wonderful local businesses in our area and share recommendations with other parents, but every reader who votes will be entered to win a fabulous Family Fun Package including a $50 gift card to the top-rated restaurant, a $50 gift card to the top-rated children’s book shop, a $20 gift card to John’s Incredible Pizza and other family fun items. Categories include: * Family-Friendly Restaurant * Kid-Friendly Coffee Shop * Pizza Parlor * Ice Cream, Yogurt, or Gelato Parlor * Toy Store * Children’s Book Shop * Kids’ Clothing/Shoe Store * Bike Shop * Birthday Party Venue * Fitness Center * Children’s Gym * Movie Theater * Place to Swim * Indoor (Rainy Day) Destination * Outdoor Destination * Family Vacation Destination The winning businesses and destinations will be announced in our September issue. Voting ends this Sunday, August 14. (One vote per person, please.) PS: Don’t forget to enter to win a Justin Roberts concert package , too! That contest ends Friday, August 12, at noon.

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Last Chance to Vote for Your Favorites!

Jul201125

Samantha

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Water, Water Everywhere!

Summer’s prime time for water play, and we’re fortunate to have plenty of options –- both indoors and out -– throughout the metro area. From water parks to fountains to swimming holes and outdoor pools, there’s always somewhere you and your kids can splash and play! INDOOR WATER FUN: Evergreen Wings & Waves Waterpark : The new water park next to McMinnville’s Evergreen Aviation Museum features over 70,000 square feet of spurting, waving, shooting, streaming water play fun! Crowned with a Boeing 747 on the roof –- the starting point for the park’s four largest water slides -– it’s the area’s largest waterpark and the only one that combines traditional slides, pools and water play features with an interactive children’s museum and a cosmic outer space theme. 460 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville. 503-434-4185. evergreenmuseum.org/waterpark . You’ll also find big slides, lazy rivers and other water play features at many public pools around the area. Here are a few of our favorites: North Clackamas Aquatic Center : 7300 SE Harmony Rd., Milwaukie. 503-557-SURF (7873). clackamas.us . Portland Parks & Recreation Pools : Specifically, check out the pools at the East Portland Community Center (740 SE 106th Ave.; 503-823-3450); Mt. Scott Community Center (5530 SE 72nd Ave.; 503-823-3183); and Wilson Pool (an outdoor option; 1151 SW Vermont; 503-823-3680). portlandonline.com . Conestoga Recreation and Aquatic Center : 9985 SW 125th Ave., Beaverton. 503-629-6313. thprd.org . Firstenburg Community Center : 700 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver, Wash. 360-487-7001. cityofvancouver.us . PUBLIC FOUNTAINS: Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden : Grant Park, NE 33rd and US Grant Pl. 503-823-PLAY (7529). portlandonline.com . Blue Lake Park Spray Ground : 20500 NE Marine Dr. 503-797-1850. oregonmetro.gov . City Park Fountain : Fifth and Hall, in front of the library, Beaverton. Esther Short Park : West Columbia and 8th Sts., Vancouver, Wash. Forecourt and Lovejoy Fountains : Between SW 3rd and 4th, at Market (Forecourt) and Hall (Lovejoy). Jamison Square Fountain : Between NW Kearney and Johnson and NW 10th and 11th. Rivercrest SprayPark : 131 Park Drive, Oregon City. 503- 496-1546. orcity.org . Salmon Street Springs : SW Salmon at Waterfront Park. Tanner Creek Park : 3456 Parker Rd., West Linn. 503-557-4700. westlinnoregon.gov . Tualatin Commons : Tualatin-Sherwood Road in Tualatin City Center. NATURAL “SWIMMING HOLES”: Blue Lake Regional Park : Includes a swimming beach for ages 5 and up, a water play area for children under 5, fishing and playgrounds. Boat/canoe rentals on weekends. Off Northeast 223rd Avenue between Marine Dr. and Sandy Blvd., Gresham. 503-797-1850. oregonmetro.gov . Frenchman’s Bar Park : Beach access to the Columbia River, picnic sites, play equipment and more. 9612 NW Lower River Road, Vancouver Wash. 360-619-1111. ci.vancouver.wa.us . Glen Otto Community Park : Sandy River access with swimming beach, picnic areas, and children’s playground. 1102 E Historic Columbia River Hwy. 503-666-8303. ci.troutdale.or.us . Salmon Creek Park : Swimming pond with a lifeguard on duty during the summer. 1112 NE 117th St., Vancouver, Wash. 360-619-1111. ci.vancouver.wa.us . Vancouver Lake Park : Swimming allowed in one section of the lake. 6801 NW Lower River Road (3 miles west of Vancouver on SR-501), Wash. 360-619-1111. ci.vancouver.wa.us . OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOLS: Check out our Family Fun editor’s roundup of outdoor pools around the area. Where does your family like to splash, float, swim and slide?

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Water, Water Everywhere!

Jul201118

Jeremy

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Vote for Your Family Favorites

It’s that time again! Time to vote for your favorite family-friendly businesses in the Portland metro area! It’s a great way to support the wonderful local businesses in our area and share recommendations with other parents. Plus, every reader who votes will be entered to win a Family Fun Package including a $50 gift card to the top-rated restaurant, a $50 gift card to the top-rated children’s book shop, a $20 gift card to John’s Incredible Pizza and other family fun items. Categories include: * Family-Friendly Restaurant * Kid-Friendly Coffee Shop * Pizza Parlor * Ice Cream, Yogurt, or Gelato Parlor * Toy Store * Children’s Book Shop * Kids’ Clothing/Shoe Store * Bike Shop * Birthday Party Venue * Fitness Center * Children’s Gym * Movie Theater * Place to Swim * Indoor (Rainy Day) Destination * Outdoor Destination * Family Vacation Destination. The winners of the “Family Favorite” awards will be announced in our September issue. Voting will be open through August 14. (One vote per person, please.)

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Vote for Your Family Favorites

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